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NEW MOT INFO

Posted: Sat Mar 17, 2012 10:29 am
by cazzyblues
I have a Battery isolator switch on my Bongo due to battery discharge problems recently. I have put in red the bit about batteries in the info below copied and pasted from the info UK Campsite sent me.
My MOT due in May. :( hope it won't be a problem but suspect it will be.
I have included the whole article for others to read.

New MOT Rules for 2012

If you've been happily ignoring a warning light because it's not checked in the MOT you could be facing an MOT failure and an expensive repair bill in 2012 because of changes to the test.

The Department for Transport is adding a number of new mandatory test items to the annual MOT from 1 January 2012 to comply with a revised European testing directive.

VOSA, the government agency responsible for the MOT, has indicated that 'failures' relating to the new test items will be treated as 'advisories' in the first three months. This means that if you have any of the following problems with your car you've got until the first MOT renewal date after 1 April 2012 to get it fixed.

Caravan and trailer electrical socket test
The change which may have the biggest effect on campers and caravanners is the new tests for towbar electrical sockets.
There will be a basic security/damage check of 7-pin sockets, but
13-pin sockets will be subject to a full electrical connectivity check and incorrectly connected or inoperative circuits will result in failure.

Please be aware of these new tests if you have towbar electrics fitted.

Other new checks will include inspecting dashboard warning lights, telling drivers if there is a problem with their airbags, tyre pressures, power steering and main headlight beam.


Power steering will be subject to inspection with the MOT demanding a minimum level of fluid. Anti lock brakes and electronic stability control systems will also be checked.
The new checks will also ensure the new generation powerful headlights do not dazzle oncoming motorists.

Electronic parking brakes, Electronic Stability Control, Electrical wiring and battery, steering locks, Tyre pressure monitoring systems and others will all be included as well.

Re: NEW MOT INFO

Posted: Sat Mar 17, 2012 12:39 pm
by Tricky Dicky
I also have the flat battery syndrome,alarm radio central locking etc,I fitted a battery isolator.Just passed it's MOT this week no problems
Image

Re: NEW MOT INFO

Posted: Sat Mar 17, 2012 12:55 pm
by MountainGoat
I don't have a flat battery problem but after being told that my fridge was wired directly to my leisure battery rather than via the PMS unit I fitted a battery isolator as a precaution against leaving my fridge on. Bongo has been through 3 or 4 Mot's since it was fitted and passed every time.

Tony

Re: NEW MOT INFO

Posted: Sat Mar 17, 2012 1:14 pm
by teenmal
Hi,

These isolators have nothing to do with the MOTT,the battery test is.. Check the condition and security of the battery(ies).

Reason for rejection will be if the battery is Insecure or Leaking.

Cheers.

Re: NEW MOT INFO

Posted: Sat Mar 17, 2012 1:43 pm
by dave_aber
That's not new for 2012 though, is it? As far as I knew, that was always part of the MoT.

Re: NEW MOT INFO

Posted: Sat Mar 17, 2012 1:53 pm
by rita
dave_aber wrote:That's not new for 2012 though, is it? As far as I knew, that was always part of the MoT.

No change.

Re: NEW MOT INFO

Posted: Sat Mar 17, 2012 1:54 pm
by jaylee
Either way, just make sure any loom wiring is tidy & secure.... :wink:

Re: NEW MOT INFO

Posted: Sat Mar 17, 2012 2:06 pm
by teenmal
teenmal wrote:Hi,

These isolators have nothing to do with the MOTT,the battery test is.. Check the condition and security of the battery(ies).

Reason for rejection will be if the battery is Insecure or Leaking.

Cheers.

Electrical Wiring and Battery 1.9 The M.O.T. Inspection Manual
Method of Inspection
Reason for Rejection
This inspection applies to all vehicles, including electric and hybrid vehicles.
Some tow bar electrical sockets are ‘hidden’ behind an access panel in the bumper or bodywork. Unless requiring the use of tools or specialist equipment, these panels must be removed to facilitate the inspection of the towbar socket.
If a tow ball or pin is not fitted at the time of test, e.g. because it is detachable, has been unbolted or otherwise removed, but the attachment brackets are still in place, any trailer electrical socket should still be assessed.
This does not apply if the attachment brackets have been deliberately rendered unfit for further use.
1.
Check the condition and security of the battery(ies).
2.
Check the condition and security of all visible electrical wiring.
3.
On vehicles fitted with a towbar, check the condition and security of the trailer electrical socket.
Note: This check applies to both 7 pin (12N) and 13 pin electrical sockets.
1.
A battery insecure or leaking electrolyte.
2.
Electrical wiring:
a.
insecure or inadequately supported so that it is likely to become damaged
b.
damaged or deteriorated to the extent that it is likely to cause a short circuit or become detached
c.
insulation damaged or deteriorated to the extent that bare wiring or connectors are exposed.
3.
A trailer electrical socket:
a.
insecure
b.
damaged or deteriorated to the extent that the connecting lead could not be securely connected.
4.
On vehicles fitted with a trailer 13 pin Euro-socket, use an approved device to check that the socket is wired to correctly operate the trailer:

Position lamps

Stop lamps

Direction indicators

Rear fog lamp
4.
A trailer 13 pin Euro-socket not operating the trailer lamps as intended.

Re: NEW MOT INFO

Posted: Sat Mar 17, 2012 4:54 pm
by cazzyblues
Thanks for all your replies....Fingers crossed I will be ok then. :D

Re: NEW MOT INFO

Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2012 7:19 am
by mikexgough
teenmal wrote:Hi,

These isolators have nothing to do with the MOTT,the battery test is.. Check the condition and security of the battery(ies).

Reason for rejection will be if the battery is Insecure or Leaking.

Cheers.
+1 .. Nothing new with Batteries.... just need to be secure and not leaking... biggest issue I can see with the new MOT will be some testers will be looking at non standard wiring under bonnets and elsewhere to see it is tidy/correct spec...so If you have any added gizmo's ...make sure the wiring is good and either cable tied or conduit/spira wrapped....
Isolators wont have a problem with the MOT..... there is ...as usual... Loads of scaremongering going on....
Power steering check now....other than the previous leak checks is a full fluid reservoir...or in lay terms...gives the tester a heads up for a leakage.... no reservoir on the cars with the new Electric power steering motors.... :wink:...obviously not Bongo's.... so Testers will end up checking the operation etc with leccy testers in the future no doubt on those